It’s hard to believe that my beloved dog, Maggie has been gone for eight years. Some days I still cry when I think of her. Maggie was such a love; so smart and so in tune with my emotional state. There is no replacing her in my mind. Therefore, I am dogless in Tennessee.

Reflecting on Maggie’s decline in health, a few things come to mind. She was diagnosed with food and airborne allergies at a young age. A result of that is for an animal to rub its head against a hard surface and also licking itself due to itching. Maggie did that for many years.

When we moved to North Carolina, I noticed changes in Maggie’s behavior. Her head rubbing continued and licking became more severe. She licked herself, the furniture & the carpet while awake. She also started pacing and circling.

Maggie’s favorite place to lie down was on the cool tiles in front of the fireplace, even though she had difficulty getting up from that location. In addition, there were changes in her bowel habits. Eating habits were affected too. It appeared that she had an insatiable appetite & water intake increased.

On February 19, 2009, Maggie was unable to stand on her hind legs. A veterinarian gave a diagnosis of brain and/or spinal cord tumor. Seeing my dog suffering with severe pain and unable to walk, I chose euthanasia. That is a difficult decision for a pet owner to make. It’s so hard to let go…

My past experiences with being a dog owner is this: I am drawn to ones who are not healthy. Because of that, I learn so much from helping them to heal.

After Maggie’s passing, I researched canine brain tumors. Maggie exhibited many of the signs, including the need to lie on a hard surface. Although I was not aware while she was alive, the information has answered many of my questions about her behavioral changes. My regret is not knowing sooner.

Although difficult to lose my Maggie, she was a blessing of love and a source of knowledge for me. I miss you, girlfriend!!!

There have been several pets that I have spoken for who had behavioral changes after the death of a companion. Some became withdrawn and others had a decrease in appetite. When animals experience the loss of a pet companion, I suggest that the humans talk about the loss, acknowledge it and provide reassurance that in time everything will be ok. On some level, animals understand our words.

Several years ago, I was asked to provide an onsite session. A horse was exhibiting a noticeable change in behavior, which included not wanting to be ridden.

During the session, I scanned the horse's energy both visually and through touch. I felt within my own body severe aching/pain in the stomach area. I described the discomfort as being comparable to a stomach ulcer in a human.

The owner of the horse consulted a veterinarian. An endoscopy was performed and revealed a gastric ulcer. Medication to heal the ulceration was successful and the horse returned to previous behavior, allowing the owner to ride again.